Chapter 116: Lin Muqing's Intentions

The Peninsula Hotel's bellboy pushed a luggage cart, following Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing to the luxurious sea-view room. After helping Zhou Ming with the luggage, the bellboy left.

Lin Muqing walked into the bedroom, pulled open the floor-to-ceiling windows, and a cool breeze swept in. She turned to Zhou Ming and said, "How is it? Last time you treated me to a sea-view room at Victoria, this time I'm treating you to a sea-view room at the Peninsula Hotel."

"Thank you, General Lin, for your generous hospitality," Zhou Ming replied, bowing in a mock manner. "But it seems the money was all mine."

The first part of Zhou Ming's comment made Lin Muqing happy, but the latter part displeased her. She pouted and complained about the lack of romance. Not interested in admiring the night view, she sat down on Zhou Ming's bed and said, "But I really didn't expect that Director Qiao would actually do something like this. He went back and kicked you out of your inspection team."

Zhou Ming took it in stride. "For an official who values his status above everything else, it's not surprising at all. It would be more surprising if he didn't react that way after being thrown out of the hotel in front of so many people."

He stretched lazily and continued, "But it's actually good. Leaving the team earlier means I get to avoid those people. Spending every day with them was getting quite suffocating."

"That's true. Look at those officials back home, acting like they're royalty, full of trouble-making ability but without any sense of responsibility, and they bear grudges," Lin Muqing said with a look of disdain. "And Director Qiao, despite being a vice-mayor, only booked such a hotel for you. I really don't understand what he was thinking."

"Well, there's nothing we can do. The country is poor right now," Zhou Ming said.

Lin Muqing thought for a moment and suggested, "Why don't you just stay in Hong Kong and not go back to the mainland? The Jinming Fund Company is now quite famous in Hong Kong. As the boss, it should be easy for you to get a Hong Kong identity."

"Do you think I'm scared of just a vice-mayor?" Zhou Ming asked.

"I'm not saying you're afraid of him. It's just that we don't need to argue with such a lunatic. If we can't beat him, at least we can avoid him," Lin Muqing said.

Zhou Ming shook his head. "It's not about arguing; it's a matter of mindset. If we back down just because we encounter someone like Qiao Weijiang today, then what happens when we face Li Weijiang or Wang Weijiang in the future? Are we supposed to keep yielding? How long would we keep backing down? So, no matter how others think, I can't set this precedent."

"Fine, you're the boss, you decide," Lin Muqing said. "I've already had Amin contact the hotel manager. Tomorrow, I'll go speak with the hotel's higher-ups and ask them to protest to the mainland. I'll try to turn this into a diplomatic issue. With Qiao Weijiang having competitors, they would be foolish not to seize this opportunity."

Indeed, with the Peninsula Hotel being world-renowned and the close relationship between Hong Kong and the mainland, it was qualified to protest. If Qiao Weijiang's actions were exposed, it would create a huge sensation. His behavior was effectively tarnishing the image of mainland officials on the international stage!

If Qiao Weijiang's opponents made a move, he could be in serious trouble.

Perhaps Qiao Weijiang was usually cautious and had not offended anyone, but the position of vice-mayor of South River was a good reason for others to cause trouble for him. However...

Zhou Ming looked at Lin Muqing and said, "Sister Muqing, are you trying to make me live off your generosity?"

Lin Muqing chuckled, "Well, would you like to live off me?"

"I would certainly like to live off Sister Muqing's generosity, but I wonder if it's truly that generous," Zhou Ming said, his eyes deliberately shining as he looked at Lin Muqing's ample bosom.

"Pervert!" Lin Muqing scolded Zhou Ming, covering her chest. To Zhou Ming, her expression seemed more flirtatious than angry.

Zhou Ming swallowed hard, his mind involuntarily drifting back to the alluring scene of Lin Muqing kneeling before him and helping him with his pants. The smooth, ivory-like skin and the touch of her delicate hands, though separated by clothing, still conveyed a soft, feminine quality.

Clearing his throat, Zhou Ming quickly pushed these tantalizing thoughts out of his mind. Even if he had feelings for her, he couldn't let himself become a lecher.

At this moment, Zhou Ming suddenly remembered something. "By the way, Sister Muqing, what's the relationship between you and Reporter Shen?"

This had been a lingering question for Zhou Ming. While he knew Lin Muqing and he had a good relationship and he had even kissed her, he was puzzled about Shen Xin's involvement.

"You should ask yourself," Lin Muqing replied.

"Me?" Zhou Ming was confused by Lin Muqing's answer.

"Yes, you," Lin Muqing said. "Didn't you know that Reporter Shen became a fervent fan of yours after interviewing you and hearing about your success? After you left for the mainland, she frequently came to Jinming Fund for interviews. Since you weren't around, I had to host her. Over time, our relationship grew closer. Jinming Fund's success in Hong Kong is also due to her diligent reporting."

This answer left Zhou Ming stunned. While he had suspected this connection, it seemed almost too strange. As a professional journalist, Shen Xin shouldn't let personal feelings interfere, especially given her position as a chief reporter.

Seeing Zhou Ming's reaction, Lin Muqing explained, "Reporter Shen is just a girl in her twenties, full of admiration. Your experiences are almost legendary to her. How could she not be in awe?"

Zhou Ming was struck by this realization. He had been considering Shen Xin's status as a chief reporter but forgot she was merely a young woman admiring a hero.

"Well, it seems like I have some responsibility here," Zhou Ming said helplessly.

Lin Muqing glanced at the clock in the room and said, "It's getting late. I'll leave for now and come back tomorrow."

"Sister Muqing, won't you stay a bit longer?" Zhou Ming tentatively asked.

Lin Muqing, standing up, placed her delicate hand on Zhou Ming's chest and asked with a flirtatious look, "Do you want me to stay a bit longer, or do you have other thoughts?"

Her voice was sweet as honey, and her hand resting on her chest, combined with her tall figure and high heels, allowed Zhou Ming's gaze to fall on her ample, snow-white chest. This made him feel parched.

It was impossible for Zhou Ming not to have any thoughts. Lin Muqing was the most beautiful and captivating woman he had ever met. At this moment, Zhou Ming's deepest wish was for Lin Muqing to stay the night.

However, he didn't dare to voice this desire, partly out of concern for an awkward situation if he acted prematurely, and partly because, despite his current wealth and confident demeanor, he was still, in essence, the same unsure young man he had been in his past life.

Seeing Zhou Ming's expression, Lin Muqing seemed to understand his thoughts. She suddenly stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek, then swiftly ran out the door before Zhou Ming could react.

Zhou Ming stared blankly at the closed door, surprised that the usually mature Lin Muqing could display such a playful side. Nevertheless, her actions clearly showed her feelings for him.

...

The next morning, Lin Muqing came to find Zhou Ming early. Today, she wore a formal suit, projecting the image of a career woman, as opposed to the elegant socialite look from the previous day.

In contrast, Zhou Ming had just gotten out of bed. Lin Muqing helped him choose his clothes and said, "Today, I'll accompany you to your company."

Just like on the morning they signed the contract two months ago, Lin Muqing knelt in front of Zhou Ming, adjusting his trousers. Zhou Ming helped her up and gently said, "Sister Muqing, Jinming Fund is now yours. You're the boss."

Lin Muqing stubbornly shook her head. "No, this company will always be yours."

Zhou Ming didn't bother arguing further. Sometimes, an ambiguous arrangement was better. After all, if every detail were meticulously accounted for, it might strain their relationship.

In the morning, Zhou Ming accompanied Lin Muqing on a tour of the company. He reviewed the reports, and saw that the company's performance had doubled in just over a month compared to before he left.

"Our reputation is established now. Even without a deposit at the Stock Exchange, people trust our guaranteed fund," Lin Muqing explained.

After leaving the company, Zhou Ming rented a yacht for a trip around Victoria Harbour with Lin Muqing, followed by dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

For two days, Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing enjoyed their time in Hong Kong like a honeymooning couple, almost forgetting about the South River inspection team and treating it as a vacation. But on the third morning, Zhou Ming received a page from Luo Han with a simple message: "Advisor Zhou, please come help us!"